April typically is a smoother transition into spring than its neighboring month, March. While wintry precipitation is not unheard of in the beginning of April (anyone remember the April Fools Day Blizzard of '97?), a slow start to the winter season must have prompted Old Man Winter to want to go out with a bang. April featured multiple snowfall events, mainly up in New England, but even points as far south as Maryland saw roadway coverings as late as the 9th.

The months of January and February were certainly a wild ride, especially for those within the mid-Atlantic. After a mild start to the winter, January hit fast and hard (except for northern New England and the northern extent of the Hudson Valley) with the Blizzard of 2016. While northern New England missed out on the January 22nd-23rd storm, they still had a couple of snowfall events, mainly during the first half of January. The month finished off with well above normal high temperatures, also resulting in a significant melting of the snowpack.

Now that we are one week away from Christmas, the WeatherWorks Meteorologists are starting to get a better handle on what to expect for Santa's arrival. Unfortunately for some, it looks incredibly unlikely to have a White Christmas here in the Northeast. But for those enjoying the recent stretch of warmth, you're in for a treat! After we cool down this weekend and experience temperatures more fitting for December, we will quickly warm back up again towards the middle of next week...potentially reaching record breaking warmth!

After two very snowy previous winters, including last year's historic lake effect event when the southern suburbs of Buffalo, NY already had 5 - 7 feet of snow by November 21st, 2014, it may seem unusual for Buffalo, NY and some of the other lake effect areas to be without measurable snow at this point in the season. The combination of a lack of significant cold air nor any potent disturbances has contributed to the current deficit.

After such a harsh winter last year, most are extremely interested in knowing what this year's winter holds. WeatherWorks meteorologist's are currently watching a very strong El Nino which will have a significant impact on the winter forecast, but we are also keeping an eye out for other atmospheric and oceanic patterns that will likely influence the country's weather. Before meteorology became a professional science, people have passed down various beliefs and folklore for centuries discussing how nature can give us signs of an upcoming harsh or quiet winter.